Business Studies A-level

Investigate different types of organisations in different business sectors. Identify business problems and learn how to make well-informed decisions with A-level Business Studies. On this course we want you to develop an enthusiasm for studying business and gain a critical understanding of organisations and their ability to meet society’s wants and needs.

You acquire a range of relevant skills including decision making, problem solving, challenging assumptions, quantifying and managing information.

You follow the OCR specification.

First Year (AS)
• Unit 1: “An Introduction to Business” i.e. the nature of business, its classification, business objectives, and other influences such as technological change, social, cultural, moral and ethical issues.
• Unit 2: “Business Functions” i.e. marketing, accounting and finance, people in organisations, and operations management.
Second Year (A2)
• Unit 3: “Strategic Management” This will address the topics of: business objectives and strategy, business analysis, external influences, and managing change.
• Unit 4: “People in Organisations”, covering the topics of: human relations, communication, organisation and controlling the activities of people at work, employer/employee relations, training and appraisals, and workforce performance measurement.

You learn in a variety of ways, typically through discussion, group work, independent study, traditional essays, reading and research tasks. There will be a balance of challenge and support. You play an active part in your learning, with a strong focus on your individual learning needs.

Classes will take place over four days a week between 9am and 5pm. We expect our students to be fully committed to their studies and attend all timetabled sessions. In addition, you will have the opportunity to attend trips and visits according to the needs of individual subjects. There are many enrichment opportunities, enabling you to extend your learning beyond the bounds of your chosen subjects.

Formal assessment is through examinations and (in some subjects) coursework. The examination periods are in May/June. There is a range of regular assignments, essays and class based assessments to help you develop your study skills for the next educational step. Individual learning targets are set each term and you will receive regular feedback on your progress in meeting these targets.

You develop the skills necessary for further academic study such as strong report writing and study skills including presentation skills.

You also improve the wider skills vital for success in further study or employment, including self-confidence, speaking in front of others, working with others, taking responsibility and managing your time. You benefit from individual support, including advice about higher education and careers.

6 x C grades at GCSE including English and maths.

With three A-levels you can progress to higher education to study a variety of different subjects at degree level. A-levels offer the high standard of education which many employers require as part of their entry criteria onto training programmes.

Oxford City Centre